Ondo Sports Revival: UBA responds to Council’s call for partnership

By Kanu Samuel

Efforts by the Ondo State Sports Council to attract private-sector investment into sports development have received a major boost, following an indication by United Bank for Africa (UBA) to partner the Council in reviving sporting facilities across the state.

The bank’s Regional Manager, Mr Tope Iyoko, gave the indication when he led a team, including the Relationship Manager, Mr Samson Omole,
Branch Manager, Mr Ganiyu Aderemi and Akinade Abdullahi Adekola on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Ondo State Sports Council, Hon Oladimeji Abimbola.

During the visit, the UBA team inspected some of the facilities at the Sports Complex, many of which have become obsolete or fallen into disrepair.
Iyoko commended Abimbola for his vision and initiative, assuring the Council that UBA would support efforts to promote and develop sports in Ondo State.

The development came less than two weeks after Abimbola assumed office and called for greater involvement of individuals, corporate organisations and other stakeholders in the development of sports.

The Chairman had raised concerns over the state of the facilities inherited by his administration, stressing that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of developing the sector.

He described sports as a major investment capable of empowering young people, creating opportunities and keeping youths meaningfully engaged.

Abimbola urged corporate organisations and other stakeholders to complement government’s efforts by investing in sports infrastructure and programmes.

The response from UBA is expected to strengthen the Council’s efforts to forge public-private partnerships aimed at restoring sporting facilities and creating a more conducive environment for athletes and young people in the state.

The visit also raised hopes of a broader collaboration between the Council and corporate organisations as the Abimbola-led administration seeks to reposition sports and restore the sector’s fortunes in Ondo State.

The Council has, meanwhile, continued to emphasise the importance of a peaceful and united working environment as part of efforts to create the conditions necessary for effective sports development.